A Swedish study was conducted to examine how the experiences of work and leisure affect expectancy and valence in relation to interest in participating in adult education. A cross sectional sample of 945 persons with short previous formal education was interviewed. The results indicated the existence of an integrated relationship between work and leisure. With respect to social and "cultural" activities, the amount of activity during leisure time appeared to be positively related to work satisfaction. Furthermore, the satisfaction derived from leisure time activities was positively related to work satisfaction. The interest in adult education for the present job was positively related to work satisfaction. The opposite relationship was found between interest in adult education for a new job and work satisfaction. With respect to non-work-related adult education, the educational interest exhibited a neutral relationship to work satisfaction. It was concluded that parallel to the reforms in society aiming at removing obstacles which prevent people from taking part in adult education, necessary steps must be taken in order to eliminate the factors in the work role that shape the person's experiences and behavior during non-working time into powerlessness, resignation, and social isolation. (Author/JH)